Community youth leaders from the Safety and Community Empowerment committees at KidWorks’ Youth powerment Network (YEN) have organized a series of film showings in the public parks of Santa Ana. To achieve such a feat, these youth had to meet and decide as to which parks in Santa Ana and films should be showcased in order to meet the goals of the Safety and Empowerment committee. The launch of the event was held at Jerome Park, featuring Director Mimi Leder’s “Pay it Forward.” A large, inflatable screen displayed the film and free popcorn was offered to the residents. Parents talked and children ran and played soccer before the movie was shown. The film was about a boy who was motivated by his school teacher to make a change in his community. There was a successful turnout of 150 adults arriving with their children and blankets to see the movie under the night sky to share shocks and awes. As the movie came to a close and the sun set, a sensation of inspiration had flowed through the crowd. This event was created for the community members to share a connection with their neighbors and families outside their family rooms and be healthy and safe in the community. - Alex Mendoza |